Turning 37

Week before my birthday, my husband and I had a fight and was on cold war the entire week leading to my birthday. It was a petty thing but pride and unnecessary anger get in the way as always. I really didn't have any grand plans for my birthday except to escape the city for a bit while nursing a broken heart (*insert Whitney Houston song "Where Do Broken Hearts Go?") hehe. 

A day before my birthday, I raised the white flag and said sorry. I don't want to be brokenhearted forever, you know. Still, he failed to greet me on the morning of my birthday and even went out for a long ride with his bike. Again, my heart broke and proceed with the plan of escaping the city. 

With my daughters Alex and Zabbie, sisters Anne and Matet and nephew Leon in tow, we went for our greatest adventure and roadtrip so far. We took a v-hire from Mactan and another v-hire to our first stop. 

my adventure crew

First Stop: Simala

I've lived in Cebu for 20 years now and I haven't been to Simala ever. Entering Simala is like entering a different country or world. You'll be met with castle-like structure. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims flock to Simala to pay homage and offer petitions to the miraculous Virgin of Simala. It was a perfect opportunity for me to offer my gratitude to the Virgin Mary for another year in my life and for the blessings received all these years. I also raised my personal petition of letting me patch up differences with my husband.

Simala

Simala

Second Stop: Tingko Beach, Alcoy

Since we've been on an adventure mode, we decided to head further down south to Tingko Beach in Alcoy. Despite being very accessible and just along the highway, I haven't been to this beach as well. Tingko Beach boasts of powdery sand and crystal clear blue waters. The weather was cooperating as it was really bright and sunny. While there are a lot of locals and tourists hanging out by the beach, we still enjoyed the beach nonetheless. The kids had a blast playing in the sand and was even complaining why we have to leave early like two hours after. 

quick dip

having a blast

At around 4pm, we decided to end our adventure and waited for the next ride back home. If not for the almost 3-hour traffic in San Fernando on our way back, it would have been really an awesome roadtrip. We reached home past 10pm and celebrated what's left of my birthday with my parents. 

My husband? He had other plans on my birthday and celebrated on his own. Duh!

Happy 37th Self!!! Here's to more roadtrips and adventures!!!

Today, My Little Sister is Getting Married

Dear Magee,

TODAY, your life takes on a different path, a new journey, a new chapter. Call it destiny, serendipity or whirlwind romance...whatever it is, I want you to know that I am happy for you and Jhun. I know it wasn't an easy decision to make and I admire your strength for leaving everything behind here in the Philippines and find your luck in a strange country. You did not only chase after your dreams, our dreams but you were there to finally meet the man destined for you. 

Until now, I still find it surreal that my little sister is finally getting hitched. I still see you as my little sister. But most importantly, you are my bestfriend. I love that we socialize together, know each other's friends and even hang-out with the same circle. You were my ukay-ukay shopping buddy and my ultimate videoke adversary (including Mary Ann). We were each other's cheerleaders and staunch supporters. And despite the 4-year gap,we speak the same language and you are the only person who understands the real me. To watch you grow into the person that you are now, I take pride in knowing that I may have done something good  somehow being your second parent. 

I wish we could be there to witness and celebrate this important milestone in your life. I know it's never the same without us, your immediate family in the picture. However, don't make a big fuss about it and just enjoy this moment. There's still that big wedding we're looking forward to this side of the world. By then, the puzzle will be complete. Oh, I'm quite excited of the beach wedding reception. 

And to my new brother-in-law, I wish you will take care my little sister. We're giving her to you now to love and to hold until forever. 

Congratulations Little Sister...Welcome to Jungle!!! (joke)

I love you and I'm going to miss you more but I also feel assured in the knowledge that you're in good hands now. May this be the beginning of an amazing life together and hopefully some little de Torres who speaks straight Italian soon. 

Cheers!!!

All my love,

Ate Lou

DAY 15: WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF?

Well, there’s a lot really. In fact, I’m not really a big fan of myself…

For starters, I admit that I am a pessimist. I sweat out the small stuff to the point of being nega all the time. Although, I don’t really blurt out the negativity into the open and sometimes I just keep all the nega vibes all to myself. 

I am pretentious in a sense that I hide what I feel to avoid hurting other people or stirring up a fight or destroying a relationship. I don’t like this about myself because it’s like there’s a huge ball that’s stuck inside my throat and it’s making me hard to breathe. 

I am a bitch. Yes, I could be a bitch for the right reasons but it’s something that I am not really comfortable with. I am known to being maldita in the office and I hate it that people distance themselves from me because of that. Being maldita is a wall that I build around myself so people will not hurt me or will keep it easy on me. 

I am very generous to the extent of leaving nothing for myself. Yeah, it's okay to be generous but sometimes I give out too much that I am placed in a situation where I am left with nothing. 

I think these are the things that I really hate about myself. I try as much to change these bad traits if you would call it but I'm taking it one step at a time. 

Cebu City Marathon 2012

Exactly one year ago, I fulfilled my dream of running in one of Cebu's biggest marathons. I was running 5k  together with my husband back then . This year, we took the challenge once more with me running alongside my 9-year old daughter Alex, my sister-in-law Hazel and some friends still at 5k. My husband took the biggest leap together with some IGAT Runners running their first full marathon. Alex and I arrived at the finish line holding hands at exactly 1 hour - my record last year was 44:22 minutes. Well, we had more walk than run this time since Alex was complaining every now and then. It's her first 5k so poor little girl...but we still finished the race. And we had more fun which is really the most important thing. 

Now, going back to my husband...I was worried sick about him. I know he didn't have that much practice and his last race was in November at 21k. But his record was just amazing for a first timer. He finished off at 5 hours 46 minutes with no injury at all and still standing. Tough guy, indeed! He's now a certified marathoner. 

I wish I could do the same...level up a bit probably to 10k first then 21k then 42k. I just need a little push, a motivation. Hopefully in next year's CCM, I wouldn't be stuck at 5k...I still have one year to practice and just push myself to the limit. My husband has been very supportive, buying me running gears and challenging me without fail to aim for longer distance. My enemy is really just myself...so I better start killing this enemy now!

I'm sharing some photos of that Sunday run...

 IGAT Boys before the 42k gun start

5K IGAT Runners

 

The Gang after the run

Day 9: Hopes, Dreams and Plans for the Next 365 Days

It's Day 9 of this 30-Day Blog Challenge that's been running for more than a month already. But I will finish this challenge even if this would take me a year to tick off every list. Anyway, the topic for today is about my hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days.

With just a few more days before the year 2011 wraps up, I think this challenge is very apt. 

My Hopes...

...that our life gets better everyday.
...that nobody in my family will get sick (yeah, not even fever and colds).
...that we pay off our debts.
...that we will be able to renovate the house.
...that I could increase funds in my bank account.
...that work doesn't stress the hell out of me.
...that we will be able to furnish the house with nice appliances and furniture
...that my online business gets better.
...that I will be able to upgrade my gadgets (phone, laptop, camera etc.)
...that I will be able to improve as a professional.
...that I will be a better mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend

My Dreams...

...that I will be able to drive my own car.
...that we will be able to travel as a family within the Philippines and perhaps a country in Asia (for now)
...that we will be able to renovate the house according to our "dream house"
...that I will be able to visit my sister in Italy.
...that I will be able to lose unnecessary weight.

My Plans...

...house renovation
...paying off debts
...get a passport
...get a driver's license
...attend more seminars and conferences
...aim for 21k in 2012 (then gradually increase to 42k)
...eat less, run more
...love more

There you go...just something at the top of my head for now!

DAY 1: A photo that makes you happy

Day 1 of my 30-day blog challenge starts today. And today's challenge is to post a photo that makes ME happy.  Well, it seems pretty easy but the truth is, I had a hard time choosing from thousands of photos in FB and some old-school photo album. After what seemed like eternity in browsing through photos, I think I will settle for this picture of me and my sister. This was taken when I was still 4 years old and my sister Magee is yet to turn one.

It never fails to make me smile and gives me that warm feeling of how it is to be a child. It brings back fond childhood memories. I don't know why my little sister is crying in this photo but look at that smile on my face ---- as a kid, I think I loved being photographed. Oh and I can't help but smile on our toys wrapped in plastic. My mama always wraps our stuffed toys in plastic to avoid getting dirty ---so old school. And see that wedding figurine in the background? It's my parents wedding cake topper. My mama has kept it for years...such a hoarder of sentimental things just like me. So, yeah this photo tops my list!

Bon Voyage Sorella!

Tonight, my sister will get on that plane that will make her dreams come true. We already bid our goodbyes to her almost a month ago when she boarded her plane to Manila. She needs to process remaining requirements at POEA and other government agencies. And going back to Cebu would only mean additional expenses so she stayed in my uncle’s house in Manila while waiting for her Overseas Exit Certificate – the final document required for her to be able to fly out of the country. It also spares everyone the drama of seeing her finally go.

She’s off to Italy --- one of the best countries in the world. Fortunately, her working visa got approved through the efforts of an uncle who is already based there. She has to leave everything behind --- an engagement, a possible promotion, and loved ones --- for the sake of family. For years, our family has been struggling with financial difficulties and her going abroad will be an answer to our prayers and the fulfillment of our dreams. That’s the reason why OFW exists.

Dear Little Sister, 

I know how tough it is to leave behind your life here in the Philippines, your comfort zone for 28 years. I know you’re scared and I’m scared for you too but this you have to do because you wanted to provide a better life for your family. I wish you could pack us all inside your luggage and join you in your journey. But then you have to go through this on your own. I will not be there anymore to hold your hand, to guide you through, to give you support but rest assured you will always be in my prayers. You will be sorely missed --- your modeling our online business, our late night chit-chat, the little fights, the fun with kiddos, and the many adventures and misadventures we’ve shared. I couldn’t even imagine not having you around.

Enjoy your new life in Italy --- take lots of pictures and keep updating your facebook. Before you even know it, you will be back home to us with a fat bank account *wink*.

Love you sis!
Ate

Bidding 2010 Goodbye

In less than 48 hours, we will bid goodbye to an incredible year. Two thousand ten brought in wonderful and amazing people and experiences in my life. Though my family continue to struggle in some aspects (i.e. financial aspects),  we received abundant blessings in some other forms. Allow me to list them down here in my year-end gratitude post.

·         We welcome the addition of a new family member – the adorable, Sir Leon.

·         My sister and I ventured into a new business opportunity which happens to be our favorite hubby as well --- the birth of our “UKAY CEBU” online shop in facebook.

·         I got promoted to Admin Manager (something that was unexpected) and my team also received a well-deserved raise.

·         I was surrounded by true friends who bare with me their soul, share with me their laughter and give without expecting something in return.

·         For having smart, healthy and loving daughters who melts my heart. Every.Single.Day.

·         Having an amazing husband who is selfless and provides for all our needs --- for being the coolest human being I’ve ever met.

·         For PAS and the endless learning opportunities, for giving me the chance to become a leader and for allowing me to meet wonderful people.

·         For hotel freebies, gadgets, appliances and house renovations

·         For parents visiting often.

·         Embracing a new exercise – RUNNING.

See? With all of these, I find it really difficult to let go of 2010.

But with 2011 comes a promise that everything will be a lot better, a lot brighter and a lot happier. I look forward to a lot of things in 2011 --- running my first marathon, running an association, running a family, running a department and running away from my fears, from misery, from debts (haha just kidding). I think 2011 will be all about running eh!

Seriously, I will try as much to be a better mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, employee, PASer and person in 2011.

Happy New Year from my family to yours!!!

Meet our new family member...

 

Meet Leon Anthony (Leon from my father's name "Leonito" and Anthony from the other grandpa "Antonio"), the newest member of the family, the love child of my sister A.You know it's true what they say that a baby changes everything and takes away all the bitter and odd feelings. I just wish for this young man to grow up healthy, strong, God-fearing and respectful despite the circumstances he was born with. I also wish for his mother to GROW UP (LOL) now that you're here.

Leon, remember that you are loved from the first time we set our eyes on you.

Oh Hello There!

Dear Reader of Two (or Three maybe),

All apologies for the extensive blog hiatus. Life happens and I was caught in between realities and responsibilities.  Although, I blame facebook and tumblr for taking over my blogging time. So many stories to tell, so many dramas to share and so many dreams to chase BUT allow me to compose them one by one… will be blogging soon! ... and hopefully this blog gets some pampering and a make-over. (crossing fingers)

Stay tuned will yah!?

xoxo,

momgoddess

Another Baby in the Family...

No, it isn't me, silly... not again!

We recently discovered that my younger sister A is pregnant and that she’s been keeping it from us for 7 months now. At first, I was fuming mad and I felt betrayed. How could she keep it from us all these time? What made it worst is the fact that we didn’t even get to meet the father --- hell, we didn’t even know she has a boyfriend. But then, after finally seeing her two days ago, what I felt was more on empathy. I was once like her --- I got pregnant at the same age as her and I was keeping it a secret not until after I walked down the aisle. I could just imagine the burden of hiding your bulging tummy and the different emotions and discomforts that goes with the pregnancy.

We had a hard time telling our parents especially our father. But then, we cannot just hide it from them. They need to know. We were able to blurt it out to Mama first and it wasn’t easy. She didn’t cry but I can see that she’s hurting. We gave her the burden of telling Papa. I wasn’t there when they told Papa and Magee just informed me that Papa cried really hard. Sister A has always been Papa’s favorite, his pride and I know it will break his heart learning about her predicament.

Well, there’s nothing we can do but to embrace and support my sister in any way we can. After all, that’s what family is all about.

Photo Courtesy: www.istockphoto.com

Thirty One

In a matter of days, I will be turning thirty one.

I'm almost off the calendar, I know. But who cares about numbers. They don't really matter that much nowadays. There's no point dwelling and stressing over age and numbers. Life offers more than that like family, friends and moments spent with them. Looking back at those 31 years of my life, I wasted so much of it complaining, expecting, hurting, hating and comparing my life with others. And for the most part, I was never happy.

I wanted to change that. I wanted to BE HAPPY...FEEL HAPPY...EAT HAPPY...SLEEP HAPPY...BREATHE HAPPY. It takes a lot of strength though because there are days when life really, really sucks.

So, bring on the HAPPINESS starting TODAY and ALWAYS.

That's me and my little sister Magee circa 1984 during one of our birthday celebs (her birthday is on Feb. 3)

Sinulog 2010

My entire body was achingly sore with the endless walking marathon and squeezing our bodies in what seemed like human sardines during last Sunday's Sinulog festivities. When I saw the sun shone brightly in the middle of the morning, I decided to just go ahead with the plan. Alex was overly excited waking up as early as 7am. Armed with my Sinulog gear (food, shades and headgear), we braved the crowd and head-off to our usual "place" in Mango Square. My sisters and some of their friends joined us so it was total fun. We have to take turns in carrying Zabbie who was oblivious of what's happening around her surroundings. She was grabbing people's hats, playing peek-a-boo with a stranger and often raises her arms when the drum beats.

We also got ourselves a temporary ink (henna tat) just so we could get some roof when the rain started to pour in - nice move, really. A few stars and politicians showed up - well, I just saw three or four, to our yaya's disappointment haha.

Anyway, it was a fun Sinulog (always been fun) and I daresay that next year, we'll still be on the streets to join the excitement. Who knows, we might be joining the photo-contest too...but we have to buy some kick-ass DSLR first.

Here's a photo overload of what our Sinulog 2010 has been... (apologies for the crappy pics -- we didn't get a good view of the parade)

taken after the solemn procession last Saturday

Alex and my sister Ann...getting ready to conquer the streets

our Zabbie is also ready for the heat. LOL

I forgot the name of this contingent hehe

that's Matt Evans waving at US err the crowd diay

with my sissies

this will be as far as I can go when it comes to skin art but still thinking of getting a real tat soon

Heating Up Sinulog 2010

It's raining. It's pouring. (quite ironic with my title noh?)

While the Sinulog fever is heating up around the metropolis with parties left and right, the weather doesn't seem to cooperate. It's been raining the past days and and I dreaded the shower come Sinulog Grand Parade on Sunday. My sisters and I are planning to be on the streets to join the merrymaking and witness the parade of colors. We'll be bringing Alex (who has been bugging me nonstop that she has to see the parade this year since she missed it last year when I gave birth) and my new one-year old Zabbie. However, if the weather persists to be like this til Sunday, we have no choice but to stay under the roof = home. It's also Granny's birthday celebration (hubby's grandfather) this Sunday so we might decide to be in his house early considering the traffic during that day.

It has always been like this during Sinulog but the rain will never dampen the festive spirit of the Cebuanos and even the tourists and visitors...all for the love of the Blessed Señor Sto. Niño. I will also be joining the solemn procession tomorrow with my sisters after two years of being absent. I will be walking the mile come rain or shine as my thanksgiving to the Blessed Child for all the blessings we have received all these years.

A glimpse of our Sinulog 2008... expect an overload of photos this year. Here's hoping for the sun to shine on Sunday.

Proud of You, Sis

"To be more than a name or face in the crowd..." David Cook

Now that you finally finished college, another pride will be prominently displayed in that wall of our humble Ramirez home - the third at that. I'm sure papa and mama are mighty proud of you. For the past four years, I have been a witness of how much you value your studies more than anything else. At first I thought you're some kind of a geek but then I saw the motivation behind being a "trying hard" student. I've watched you persevere and really gave your best despite the lack of resources. You even stood out among your fellow graduates with ready employment waiting for you in the midst of global recession. You deserve every bit of success that comes your way because you worked hard for it. When you went up that stage to receive your diploma, I cant' help but shed a tear because all our efforts and hard-earned money just to send you to school didn't go down the drain. Spread your wings my dear sister and reach for your rainbow.

We're all proud of you!!!